Appalachia might be known for its beautiful mountain range and lush forests in the popular imagination, but in reality, it’s plagued by long-term poverty, political corruption, devastating lack of health care and inadequate education systems. Their natural resources — coal, timber, oil, gas — have generated billions of dollars, but the money went to companies in other states, leaving the region in shambles. Mari-Lynn Evans and Jordan Freeman’s new documentary “Blood on the Mountain” details the struggles of the hard-working West Virginian coal miners besieged by political corruption and corporate malfeasance, all while their own homes and lives are being railroaded by the interests of the 1%. Watch an exclusive trailer for the film below and check out the poster as well.

At no time in my proud people’s history have we needed to be armed with this truth more,” said director Mari-Lynn Evans in a statement. “Faced with enormous challenges — economically, environmentally and socially — the people of West Virginia must forge a new path armed with hope and inspired by the strength of their own spirit. But hope and inspiration alone will not change the economy or recover the environment that a century of fossil fuel industry has left broken and it will not forge a new beginning. Only an educated and activated population engaged and participating in the betterment of their community will effect these sorely needed changes.”

Evans previously executive produced the documentary “Coal Country” as well as the three-hour PBS miniseries “The Appalachians.” Meanwhile, co-director Jordan Freeman was the cinematographer on “Coal Country” as well as the film “Goodbye Gauley Mountain: An Ecosexual Love Story,” about mountain top removal in Appalachia.

“Blood on the Mountain” will be released theatrically in New York and Los Angeles on November 18 by Abramorama.